A Message from Linda Fondren: Welcome to Vicksburg Voices

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It is with great excitement and pride that I introduce to you our newest initiative under Shape Up Mississippi—Vicksburg Voices. This project holds a special place in my heart, as it celebrates the resilience, diversity, and rich cultural heritage of our beloved Vicksburg.

For years, I have had the privilege of working alongside so many of you to improve the health and well-being of our community. Together, we’ve made strides that have been recognized far beyond our city limits, including when Vicksburg was honored with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health Prize. This award was not just a testament to our efforts in promoting physical health, but also to our commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all our residents.

Vicksburg Voices builds on this legacy by bringing to light the stories that make our community unique. We are a city with deep roots and a vibrant history, where every street, every building, and every family has a story to tell. Through Vicksburg Voices, we will share these narratives, focusing on how our history, our culture, and our collective experiences intersect with health equity.

This project is about understanding who we are as a community and how our past and present shape our future. We’ll be highlighting voices from all walks of life, from the educators who have shaped generations, to the healthcare workers who continue to fight for better access to care, to the everyday heroes whose stories of perseverance and hope inspire us all.
Vicksburg Voices will also serve as a chance to gather as a community at the Catfish Row Museum, where history comes alive through exhibits that celebrate our city’s cultural diversity. These events will remind us of the importance of our shared history and the power of coming together as a community.

As we embark on this journey, I invite each of you to be a part of Vicksburg Voices. Share your story, attend our events, and help us celebrate the rich tapestry of life in Vicksburg. Together, we can continue to shape a future that honors our past and embraces the potential of every individual in our community.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making Vicksburg a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I look forward to the stories we will tell and the lives we will touch through Vicksburg Voices.

With gratitude and hope,

Linda Fondren
Founder and Executive Director, Shape Up Mississippi